2017 v 2014?

I’m looking at selling my 2014 4WD Double Cab SR5 Tacoma and buying 2017 version.

For those of you have made this, or similar aged 2nd Gen, change, I wonder if you could comment on the following items.

Do you feel the stock sound “system” is any better in the 3rd Gen versus a 2014(?) 2nd Gen? Or, is it the same mediocrity?

I find the Entune multifunction display about as user friendly and intuitive as my ex-wife. Is the 3rd Gen any better?

Anything you don’t like in ’17 (3rd Gen) as compared to ’14 (2nd Gen)?

Thanks so much for any input.

 

Just spend a few minutes searching through the 3rd gen section and you'll find all the answers you're searching for.

 

Test drive for first hand experience. What could be good for one guy is crap for another guy.

 

I didn't have a 2nd gen, but seriously the opinion here seems to be either love it or hate (ok not hate, but at least frustrated with) it. Go test drive one or two extensively and definitely try the manual transmission if you are open to it (if you can find one).

 

I see what you mean now, read it wrong the first time.

 

I have yet to ride in a toyota that had decent audio. Sure the display might be better but its definitely worth the trade imo.

 

Lots of potential regrettable expensive problems with the 3rd gen. Best to keep your 2014 until Toyota tries to remedy all the issues.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/very-dissappointed-in-test-drive.497871

 

Audio wise. The JBL is on a whole different level than 2014. By different level I mean better.

 

I made the jump from a 2012 to a 2016. I got my truck with the jbl package and the tech in the new truck was the big selling point for me. The engine and transmission leave me a little frustrated in comparison to my 2012 but overall I'm happy with the transition to the new truck.

 

I'm still rockin my tundra, waiting on Toyota to pull their head outta their bunghole. I've never seen Toyota have a product launch like this. We're a full two model years into this redesign with new recalls/tsbs seemingly every couple of months. Not to mention that not many 3rd Gen buyers on the board seem exceedingly happy with their purchase.

 

Your carrot is facing the wrong way. It should be > in the title.

 

I have not owned, but have driven 2nd Gen Tacomas. The 3rd gen rides nicer, gets better fuel economy, is quieter, finished nicer, tows more, and is quicker.....

The truck doesn't have low rpm torque and the transmission shifts a bit. If you punch it, it will go. The old 4.0 feels like it is ready to chunk a rod past 4000rpm. The 3.5 is like a sewing machine at high rpm. Make sure you are OK with this during the test drive.

Orange Virus is working on a tune that sounds as if it will greatly improve the driving experience, but make sure you can be happy with the truck as is.

My only comment about the sound system is that it is quite adequate (I don't have the JBL). If you are particular, I would plan on upgrading and skip the JBL.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my truck. I do have the rear end recall though.

 

Not defending the 3rd gen because it definitely has its flaws but if you are a member of any board, the upset /discouraged members always speak louder than the ones out enjoying their vehicles. Been a member of numerous forums over the years and this is no different. You just gotta learn to sift through the bs and enjoy the plethora of information.

With that said, 2 recalls and some TSBs aren't all that bad. I would definitely rather have Toyota making some attempt at a remedy than none at all.

 

Your ears, your eyes are much better judges for you than anything anyone here will say.

Disregarding your specific questions, I have no interest in a 3rd gen because too big, too ugly, too expensive for what you get. Others will feel differently.

Which is exactly my point.

Only you can decide.

 

Look at it this way you can either have a gen poo or turd gen. Either way you have a crapoy truck. The TW gods are happy.

 

I owned and 2008 and a 2015 prior to my 2017, the 2nd Gen definitely has more power down low and goes up steep hills much easier and Highway drives were fine where we had speed limits of 70. The 3rd Gen is definitely more quiet and has a much better ride, the audio Sytems are about the same but the 17 has more functions. My only issue has been the Howling Rear, all of the creature comforts are nice and you can't go wrong with either truck.

 

I have 0 experience w/ a third gen. Just my observation. Low mile 2nd gens (2012-2015) specifically seem to fetch about as much as a used 2016 does. That tells me all I need to know.

 

Personally, just my opinion, as a first time Toyota brand owner....the Toyota market seems to be a lot of kool-aid with people high off reliability numbers from many, many years ago.

The reliability of other brands really isn't that bad, it isn't uncommon for other brands to be hitting 250k+ miles on a simple NA gas engine. I see quite a few people here with issues that many other brands see, truck dead on the road, dash rattling, squeaking here there, oil leaking, transmission sucks, rust, etc etc.

Not saying it's you, but I swear some people in the Toyota world act like the highway is filled with dead Ford's and Chevy's as they cruise on their way to work. It just isn't like that.

The Tacoma is expensive for what you get, but it does hold its resale value amazingly well (in part because they have a bit of a different marketing strategy to begin with, i.e. you can't get 10-15% off "MSRP" like other brands). They are good trucks, but the 2nd gen has it's quirks just like the 3rd gen, just like an F150, Silverado, jeep, etc etc.

 

I went with proven. Figured same design since 2005, it's got to be good by now. I had two Jeeps before this so I'm sick of dealership trips.

 

Just curious on a side note here, what year jeeps did you have? I'm looking into picking up a TJ with the I6.